Automatic dinnerware making machine



June 19, 1951 A. c. MUELLER ET AL AUTOMATIC DINNERWARE MAKING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Deo. 8, 1945 mON INVENTOR. ADALBERT C. MuELLER Cecn. E. ADAMS ATTORNEY June 19, 1951 A. c. MuEL-LER ETAL 2,557,884

AUTOMATIC DINNERWARE MAKING MACHINE Filed Deo. 8 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENToR.

. ADALBERT C. MUELLER By CEc". E. ADAMS TTORIVEY June 19, 1951 A. c. MUELLER ET Al. 2,557,884

AUTOMATIC DINNERWARE MAKING MACHINE Filed Dec. 8, 1945 l2 Sheets-Shea?l 3 INVENTOR. ADALBERT C. MUELLER BY CEcM. E. ADAMS mf/WMM TTORNEY June 19, 1951 A. c. MUELLER ETAL 2,557,884

AUTOMATIC DINNERWARE MAKING MACHINEA Filed Dec. 8, 1945 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 55 56 57 58 54 Fl G 12 INVENTOR. \9| ADALBERT C. MUELLER CEc". E. ADAMS BY TTR/VEY June 19, 1951 A. c. MUELLER ET AL 2,557,884

AUTOMATIC DINNERWARE MAKING MACHINE Filed Dec.` 8, 1945 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 lOl 'y "//Lw-l m w Iv Mmm .T' 4E, ADALaERT C. MUELLER H4 /E II5 I BY CEcu. E. ADAMS @MCM MW A. n ATTURNEY June 19, 1951 A. c. MUELLER ET AL AUTOMATIC DINNERWARE MAKING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed DeC. 8, 1945 INVENTOR. ADALBERT C. MUELLER CEcn. E. ADAMS June 19, 1951 A. c. MUELLER ET AL 2,557,884

AUTOMATIC DINNERWARE MAKING MACHINE Filed Dec. 8, 1945 12 s.'he=,Is-shee'i 7 .wm m

K k 5E' ADALBERT C. MUELLER By CEclL E. ADAMS Ill v @MKM i TTORIVEY June 19, 1951 A. c. MUELLER ET AL 2,557,884-

AUTOMATIC DINNERWARE vMKING MACHINE Filed Dec. 8, 1945 12 sheets-sheet 8 FIG 17.

TTRJVEY June 19, 1951 A. c. MuELLr-:R ET Al.

AUTOMATIC DINNERWARE MAKING MACHINE Filed Dec. 8, 1945 INVENTOR ADALeERr C. Mui-:LLER Cecu. E. ADAMS TTRNE'Y June 19, 1951 A. c. Mux-:LLER ET AL 2,557,884

AUTOMATIC DINNERWARE MAKING MACHINE Filed Dec. e, 1945 12 sheets-sheet 1o m1 WM ses INVENTR ADALBERT C. MUELLER Cscu. E. ADAMS 299 :'25 Www/Mh June 19, 1951 A. c. MUELLER ETAL AUTOMATIC DINNERWARE MAKING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet ll Filed Dec. 8, 1945 INVENTOR. ADALBERT C. MUELLER CEclL E. ADAMS June 19, 1951 A. c. MUELLER ETAL 2,557,384

AUTOMATIC DINNERWARE MAKING MACHINE Filed Dec. 8, 1945 12 Sheets-Sheet l2 ADALBERT C. MUELLER Cecu. E. ADAMS @MKM@ Patented June 19, 1951 AUTOMATIC DINNERWARE MAKING MACHINE Adalbert C. Mueller and Cecil E. Adams, Columbus, Ohio, assignors to The Denison Engineering Company, Columbus, Ohio, a corporation ol' Ohio Application December 8, 1945, Serial No. 633,782

Claims.

This invention relates generally to the ceramic art and is more particularly directed to mechanism for automatically forming clay or similar plastic materials into dinnerware and like articles.

An object of this invention resides in providing an automatic dinnerware manufacturing machine which may be continuously operated to supply clay to means for severing the same into bats which are positioned on molds, to press the bats into the approximate shape of the article desired and then to jigger the previously pressed pieces into the nal shape after which the molds with the formed pieces thereon are removed from the machine for drying.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine for making dinnerware having a tablelike carrier above which clay feed and cut-oil" means, forming dies and jiggering devices are supported in spaced relation, the machine also having means for rotating the carrier step by step to successively position molds carried thereby in registration with such devices and means actuated by fluid pressure at points of stoppage of said molds for moving the latter from the carrier to position wherein clay bats disposed on the molds may be operated upon by the dies and jiggering devices.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a pair of the machines mentioned in the preceding paragraph, dispose the machines in adjoining relationship and synchronously operate them, a conveyor being disposed between the machines to simultaneously deliver empty molds thereto and remove loaded ones therefrom, each of the machines being further provided with dual clay .feeding means so that both may be continuously operated to secure high production rates, the machines and the clay feeds being actuated in part cby uid pressure whereby smooth, uniform, relatively quiet operation will be secured.

Another object of the invention is to provide a dinnerware making machine of the type mentioned in the preceding paragraphs having im'- proved iiuid pressure operated meansv for moving molds with clay bats thereon into and out of their various forming positions, the machine` 2 anism which will so govern the iiow of pressure uid to such means that the molds will be moved with a uniformly accelerated and decelerated motion toward the forming means, jerkiness and possible damage to the bats being formed thus being avoided.

A still further object of the invention isto provide a dinnerware making machine having mold moving means including a power cylinder and piston and a control mechanism with valve elements which are movable both relatively and in unison and providing means for moving the elements, one of such means being directly responsive to the movement of the piston of the power cylinder. The mechanism is thus rendered sensitive and positive in operation, simple and easy to maintain and service.

Another object of the invention is to provide the hydraulic system of the machine with control mechanism which will stop the operation thereof in the event the proper operating presi' sures are not maintained, the machine therefore being prevented from producing incorrectly shaped articles or from injury in the event the various parts of the machine are not operated in the essential sequence.

It is also an object to provide a control mechanism which will discontinue the operation of the machine in the event certain conditions are not maintained and when such conditions are restored lwill cause the various operating parts of the machine to function in the necessary sequence when the operation is resumed.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred form of embodiment of the invention is clearly shown. Fig. 1 is a top plan view, partly in horizontal section, of a dinnerware forming machine formed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the plane indicated by the line II-II of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a similar view taken through the machine on the plane indicated by the line III-III of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a detail horizontal sectional view taken through the base of the machine shown in Fig. 3 on the plane indicated by the line IV-IV of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a similar view taken on the plane indicated by the line V-V of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the machine on a reduced scale showing also in plan the means for feeding clay to one side of the machine;

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the clay feeding machine shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken through the clay feeding mechanism on the plane indicated by the line VIII-VIII of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a similar view taken through the clay feeding mechanism on the plane indicated by the line IX-IX of Fig. '1;

Fig. i is also a similar view taken through the clay feed mechanism on the plane indicated by the line X--X of Fig. 7, this ligure showing clamping means employed to secure a clay Ymagazine to the power unit used to expel clay from the magazine to the dinnerware forming machine;

Fig. 11 is a similar view taken through the forward portion of the clay feeding mechanism on the plane indicated by the line XI-XI of Fig. 7;

Fig. 12 is a detail vertical sectional view taken on the plane indicated by the line XII-XII of Fig. i0;

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic circuit employed to operate the clay feeding mechanism shown in Figs. 6 and 7;

Fig. 14 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view taken through a pressure building valve by which the volumetric delivery of the pump in the hydraulic system shown in Fig. 13 is maintained constant;

Fig. 15 is a detail vertical longitudinal sectional view taken through jiggering mechanism provided on the machine shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 16 is a detail horizontal sectional view partly in elevation taken through a portion of the machine shown in Fig. 3 on the plane indicated by the line XVI-XVI of Fig. 3, this gure showing mechanism for controlling the now of fluid to the power unit employed to move a mold with a clay bat thereon into engagement with a forming die and showing in elevation. also, the

control mechanism for the power unit employedv to move a previously formed bat into engagement with a jiggering tool, the control mechanisms being shown in the relative positions occupied in the machine;

Fig. 17 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view taken through the control mechanism and the power unit governed thereby, the plane of this section being indicated by dotted line XVII--XVII of Fig. 16. While the line is bent at several points.

the view is made to appear as though the line' were straight for the purpose of clarity.

Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic view of the dual pressure hydraulic system employed in the operation of the pressing and jiggering mechanism;

Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical circuit employed in the operation of the complete ware-forming machine;

Fig. 20 is also a diagrammatic view of a single pressure hydraulic system which might be employed in the operation of the pressing and jiggering mechanism, a standby motor and pump being provided to avoid idle periods in the event service is necessary on one or the other of the pumps; and

Fig. 2l is a diagram of the electrical circuit utilized in the machine when the pressing and jiggering mechanism is operated by the modified hydraulic system shown in Fig. 20.

Referring more particularly to the drawings and especially to Figs. 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the machine comprising the present invention includes two substantially duplicative sections-20, 20-

each having a circular base-2l, 2I--one side of which is provided with a flat surface, the flat surfaces of the sections disposed in engagement with one another and secured by bolts or other fastening means. The base members, 26, 26, receive and support upper housing sections, 23, 23, which are slightly more than semi-circular when viewed in plan, the fiat sides of these sections also being disposed adjacent one another. These flat sides are spaced to provide a recess for the re 'ception of the lower portion of a conveyor, designated generally by the numeral 24. As the machine sections are duplicated, only one has been shown in detail and only this one will be described. Eachvmachine section 26 includes a pair of telescopic shafts 25 and 26, the latter being tubular to receive the former. Shaft 25 is journaled at its upper and lower ends as at 21 and 28, respectively, While shaft 26 is also journaled in the top wall of the upper section and bearings carried by the top wall of the lower section. The mounting for these shafts thus permits their rotation relative to the base and one another. In the operation of the machine, shaft 26 is continuously rotated through the provision of a worm and worm wheel, 30 and 3l. The worms 30 are carried by a shaft 32 which extends diagonally across the base section and is journaled in bearing 33 therein. One end of the shaftI 32 extends to the exterior of the base and is provided with a pulley for the reception of belts by which motion is transmitted to the shaft. When shaft 32 revolves, the worms 30 transmit such rotary movement to the worm wheels 3| which in turn transmit this movement to the shafts 26. Each shaft 26 is provided adjacent its lower end with a gear 35 disposed in meshing engagement with a similar` gear 36 secured to an idler shaft 31. This idler shaft, also. is provided with the driver section 38 of a Geneva transmission employed to impart intermittent movement to the shaft 25. the star wheel 46 of the Geneva transmission being secured to the lower end of the shaft 25. These Geneva transmissions shown in Fig. 5 operate in the usual manner and each is provided with a star wheel having six slots to receive the pin of the driver. The shaft 25 of each machine section is therefore caused to rotate step by step through one revolution while the shaft 26 makes six complete revolutions. By intermittently rotating the shaft 25, a horizontal carrier secured to the upper end thereof is indexed to successively present each of six mold receiving recesses thereon to each of a plurality of stations. During each period of rest of the carriers 4I, two of the mold receiving recesses are disposed over the open space between the machine sections. At this time the conveyor 24 operates to deposit an empty mold in one of the mold receiving recesses and remove a charged mold from the other recess.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, the conveyor comprises an endless chain 42, to spaced links of which are secured outwardly projecting pins 43. Bars 44 are pivotally supported by the pins 43, these bars carrying outwardly projecting ngers 45 at their lower ends. The outer extremities of the fingers 45 are formed with rings 46 to receive the molds 41 on which the clay articles are formed. Thechain 42 is trained around a sprocket 48, keyed or otherwise secured to a shaft 49. This shaft is journaled in bearings 5l carried by the inner side walls of the base sections 23. One end of the shaft 49 has a bevel gear 52 secured thereto, this gear meshing with a bevel pinion 53 which rotates in unison with the shaft 26. Since this shaft rotates continuously, similar continuous rotation will be imparted by the gears 53 and 52 to the shaft 49 and sprocket 48. The chain 42 will therefore move continuously in timed relation to the operation of the machine sections. After an empty mold has been deposited on the carrier 4|, this member moves to a station with which a clay feed pipe 54 registers. As indicated in Figs. l and 6, two of these feed pipes are provided for each machine in order that the machine can be continuously operated, the clay being fed through one tube while the other one is being recharged and vice versa.

The clay feeding mechanism is arranged on a floor or balcony above the ware-forming machine proper and comprises a pair of substantially duplicate units. Each unit includes a hydraulic power cylinder, 55, 55A, a clay magazine, 56, 56A, and connecting tubular sections, 51, 51A, and 58, 58A, the latter being elbow shaped in form. As illustrated in Figs. 1, 8, and I0, both fluid power units, 55, 55A, and magazin-es, 56, 56A, are supported on rollers 60 and 6| to permit longitudinal movement thereof toward and away from the tube sections, 51, 51A. The clay magazines are secured to the power units and connector tube sections, 51, 51A, by clamps 62 of the type shown in Figs. 10 and 11. These clamps include pivoted sections 63 and 64 and a U-shaped bail 65 which is pivotally secured to the clamp section 63. When the clamp is operatively positioned, the sections 63 and 64 are swung toward one another, the bail 65 is swung over the end of section 64 and a set screw 66 is tightened against an abutment on the section 64. The ends of the sections 63 and' 64 are thus drawn toward one another which causes inclined surfaces 61 on the inner sides of the clamp sections to slide on similar surfaces 68 formed on collars surrounding the mating ends of the power units, magazines and connecting tubes and force the adjoining ends of these members into leakproof engagement. a

After the magazine of one feed unit has been emptied of clay, the power cylinder of the other feed unit is started to force clay from the magazine previously connected therewith. Due to the particular hydraulic system employed the changeover from one clay feed unit to the other is automatic, the plunger of the exhausted magazine being withdrawn to permit the removal of the empty magazine and the installation of a full one.

The hydraulic system for operating the dual clay feeding units is shown in Fig. 13. This system includes the power cylinders, 55, 55A, of each unit, a battery of four-way valves 1|, 12, and 13, a pressure building valve 14, motor driven pumps and 16, pressure operated tripping valves 11 and 18, relief valves 80 and 8| and tubing to properly connect these elements. Pump 15 draws fluid, preferably oil, from a reservoir 82 through line 83 and delivers the same via line 84 to the pressure building valve 14. From this valve, the

fluid flows through line 85 to the inlet of fou-rway valve 12. When the spool 86 of this valve is in the position shown in Fig. 13 the fluid under pressure is directed through line 81 to the rear end of power cylinder 55. This fluid forces piston 88 in the cylinder 55 forward which motion is transmitted by rod 90 to plunger 9| which engages and propels the clay from the magazine 56. During the forward movement of piston 88 fluid is discharged from the forward end of the power cylinder 55 through line 92 to one of the cylinder ports of four-way valve 1|.v At this time spool 93 of valve 1| is positioned to connect line 92 with another line 94 extending to the reservoir 82.

The flow of fluid -unde'r pressure through line 8l to power cylinder 55 causes the clay in magazine 56 to be expelled through tubes 51, 58 and 54 e to the forming machine, suitable cut-off mechait is sulcient to trip valve 11 which is connected with such line by line 95, and flow through line 96 to-th-e right-hand end of the four-way valve 13. This pressure shifts the spool 91 of valve 13 to the left where it will connect a line 98 leading from pump 16 to a line |00 which extends to the left end of valve 1 Fluid flowing from the pump 16 through the line |00 to valve 1| causes the spool 93 to move toward the right where it will connect a line |0| leading from pump 16 to line 92l which extends to the forward end of the cylinder 55. Fluid flowing by this path to cylinder causes th-e piston 88 to move rearwardly and draw plunger 9| out of magazine 56 so that it may be removed and a full magazine inserted in its place.

Some of the fluid flowing through line |00 is directed through a. branch |02 to the right-hand end of valve 12 to cause spool 86 to move to the left where fluid supplied by pump 15 will be directed through line |03 to rear end of power cylinder 55A, the fluid serving to move piston |04 forwardly and cause similar movement of plunger |05 connected therewith. This plunger operates to expel plastic clay from magazine 56A in the same manner that from magazine 56. During forward movement of piston |04 fluid is discharged from the front portion of cylinder 55A through line |06 to the seeond cylinder port of valve 1| which vfluid is di- Q rected by this valve to the reservoir.

When approximately all the clay in magazine 56A has been discharged, piston |04 will engage the forward end wall of cylinder 55A causing fluid pressure to increase in line |03. This increased pressure will be transmitted by branch |01 to trip valve 18 and will operate this valve to cause fluid under pressure to flow to the left end of valve 13. to the right end of the valve 13 wherein fluid from pump 16 will be directed through line |08 to the right and left ends of valves 1| and 12.

cylinder 55 to tank.

respectively. The admission of fluid pressure to these valves in this manner again directs fluid from pump 15 to cylinder 55 to cause it to resume operation and connects the rear end of It also connects line |06 with pump 16 and line |03 with the reservoir thus causing reverse movement of piston |04 and plunger |05 so that empty magazine 56A may be removed and a full magazine substituted therefor.

As shown in Fig. 12 the plungers 9| and |05 are provided with valves to eliminate suc. tion on their return strokes.

Such strokes are performed more rapidly than the forward strokes in order that a full magazine may be substituted for an empty one before the other magazine is emptied.-

The pressure building valve 14 is connected in the system between pump 15 and valve 12 and is operative to maintain the volumetric delivery of pump 15 constant at all times whereby the rate of extrusion from tubes 54 and 54A will remain constant. As indicated in Fig. 14 valve 14 includes a casing ||0 having a bore for piston 88 expelled clay This fluid will shift spool 91 and from bore 7 l the reception of a spool ||2 which controls communication between linesv I4 and 85 leading to Spool ||2 has a'piston extension ||2A which slides in a socket ||3 constituting acontinuation of the bore ||I, the socket being connected by passage ||4 with the inlet pipe 84; Spool ||2 is provided with a socket ||6 which registers with a similar socket ||6 formed in a cap ||1 employed to close the open end of the casing A||0,.the sockets and ||6 receiving a coil spring ||8 which tends to urge spool ||2 to a position to prevent communication betweenlnes 34 and 85. The force of the spring A| I6 must be overcome by the fluid applied to the-end of extension ||2A before communication can be established, therefore, the spring serves to build up the pressure and cause it to be maintained. A thumbscrew |24 is provided t0 adjust the spring ||6 and thus vary the pressure secured by the valve 14.

Fluid lines |2| and |22 branch from lines |60 and |06 and are connected with opposite ends of a small power cylinder |23 used to adjust and synchronize the operation of the cutoff mechanism 33 for the clay, with the operation of the forming machines so that the bats severed from the feed tubes will be properly positioned on the molds.

The cut-off mechanism 39 indicated generally in Fig. l may be of any suitable type which will operate to sever the bats from the descending clay column and deposit the same on the molds. The clay feed tubes 54 and 54A are disposed in vertical registration with the first two stations of the table 4| following the loading station where the empty molds are deposited by the conveyor 24. As the feeding units are alternately operated, the molds may receive the clay bats at either station after which they will be advanced to the third station disposed beneath and in vertical registration with a pressing head |24.

The head |24 has a die |25 with which the clay bats on the molds are forcibly engaged to be given the general shape of the finished article. Die |25 is held stationary during the pressing operation. the molds being elevated from the carrier table 4| andmoved into contact with the die by a power cylinder designated generally by the numeral |26. This power cylinder is shown more in detail in Fig. 1'1.

In the present embodiment of the invention. the power cylinder |26 includes a body |21 of generally cylindrical form disposed with the longitudinal axis thereof extending vertically. A flange |20 is provided at the lower end of the body for engagement with a flange |23 surrounding an opening |30 formed in the top wall of the base 2|. Suitable securing means |3| are employed to maintain the position of the body.

A chamber |32 extends longitudinally of body |21 to slidably receive a piston |33, the end portions of the chamber stationarily receiving sleevelike members |34 which serve as guides for piston rods |35 projecting from the upper and lower ends of the piston |33. End caps |36 close the ends of the chamber |32 and hold the guides |34 in position, the caps being provided with packing rings |31 to strip duid from the rods during movement of the same out of the chamber.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, the upper end of the upper piston rod |35 is connected with the lower end of a push rod |38 disposed for vertical sliding movement in a bearing |40 carried by the horizontal top wall of the base section 23. At its upper end, the rod |38 is connected with an adapter |4| to which is secured a recessed plate |42. This plate is lined with resilient material |43 so that when the plate is engaged with a mold 41, the latter will-be protected from injury. As shown in Fig. l, the table-like carriers 4| 'are provided with a plurality vof circularly shaped recesses |45 which open to the outer edge of the table. These recesses |45 are disposed at the stations of the table between the periods of movement of the latter. When the tables are at rest the power cylinder |26 operates to move the adapter |4| and im plate |42 upwardly through the recess |45 located in' registration therewith carrying with it the mold which was disposed in the recess. Continued operation of the power cylinder serves to move the mold upwardly until the vclay bat thereon is forced into engagement with the die |25. The power cylinder |26 is then operated to lower the mold to its recess |45on the carrier 4| for advancement to the next stav I tion. 0f course, thepower cylinder continues tcoperate after the mold has been positioned on the carrier until the recessed plate |42 is disposed out of the path of movement of the carrier 4|. As considerable force is imparted to the mold in the pressing operation by the power cylinder |26 this member is braced at its lower end by a cupshaped device |46 supported on the upper end of.

a threaded post projecting upwardly from the base memberjthe post being designated by the numeral |41.

It is desirable in the operation of the machine to avoid jerkiness or sudden starting and stopping in the movement of the mold tothe pressing position. A control mechanism designated generally by the numeral |50 has been provided to control the operation of the power cylinder |26. This control mechanism is illustratedin detail in Figs. 16 and 17. It comprises a body |51 supported on the power cylinder by a bracket |52. The body 5| has a longitudinally extending bore |53 extending therethrough which bore intersects a plurality of longitudinally spaced chambers |55 to |59 inclusive. y Chamber |55 is located adjacent the central portion ofthe bore |53 and is connected with a source vof uid Chambers |55 and'4 and |51, these outer chambers being connected' by a passage |64which is in turn connected by a tube |65 with the exhaust. The bore |53 slidably receives a sleeve |66 which is provided at spaced intervals with radial ports registering with the chambers |55 to |59. Sleeve |66 slidably receives a spool |68 which is formedwith spaced grooves |10 and |1I employed to connect certain ofthe chambers |55 to |59. Sleeve valve |66 is closed at one end by a wall |12 in which is formed a socket |13 for the reception of a coil spring |14, this spring engaging the inner end of the spool |66. The tendency for the spring |14 to expand tends to cause relative movement between the sleeve and the spool which movement is precluded except at desired times by cam members- |15 and |16 engaging rollers |11 and |18 journaled in the outer ends of the sleeve |66 and'spool The chambers |58 and |53 are |55 and the interior of the sleeve |66. Theunreduced portions of thevspool |68 at the outer ends of the grooves and 1| also block ports in the sleeve extending to the chambers |58 and |59. When the parts are thus positioned, no uid ilow to or from the cham-ber |32 can take place. The piston 33, therefore, will be maintained in its present position.

The front end of the body |5| is closed by a cap |82 which carries a packing ring |83 of resilient material employed to strip hydraulic uid from the sleeve |66 during its movement out of the body |5|. The opposite end of the body is closed by a fitting |84 having an opening |85 through which the outer portion of the spool |68 projects. This opening communicates at its outer end with a vertically extending opening |86 through which a rod |81 is adapted to move. This rod carries the cam |16 and is connected at its upper end by an arm |88 with the piston rod |35. Thus, when the piston |33 moves in the power cylinder, similar motion will be imparted to the rod 81 through the arm |88. The upper and lower ends of the opening |86 communicate with theinterior of cap shaped members |90 and |9| respectively. Member |80d has an opening at its upper end through which the rod |81 projects, this opening being provided with resilient packing |92 used to strip hydraulic fluid from the rod |81 as it moves out of the member |90. Normally, the lower member |8| is filled with hydraulic fluid to maintain the rod |81 lubricated for sliding movement in the fitting |84. As will be apparent from Fig. 1'1, the cam member |16 is of wedged shaped form and in this instance the wedge is so arranged that the widest portion thereof is at the lower end of the rod |81; thus, when the piston |33 moves in an upward direction thecam |16 will cause the spool |68 to move inward in the body |5|. It will be apparent of course that the piston |33 cannot move until fluid under pressure is supplied to the lower end of the chamber |32. To provide for the admission of pressure to the lower end of chamber 32 suiicient relative movement between sleeve |66 and spool |68 must take place to connect port |56 with the inlet port |55 and port 51 with the outlet port |58. This relative movement is secured through the movement of sleeve I 66 by spring |14 and cam |15 as the latter revolves in unison with shaft 26. When cam |-moves from the position shown in Fig. 16, spring |14 will cause sleeve |66 to move toward the right while spool |68 is held in the position shown. This relative movement establishes communication between the ports in the sleeve registering with groove |55, and the groove |1| and fluid under pressure may then flow from line |6| and groove 55 to groove |56 and line |62 leading to the lower end of chamber |32. The force of this fluid tends to urge the piston |33 in an upward direction and to discharge iluid from the upper end of chamber through line |63 and grooves |51, |10, ports registering with groove |58 and outwardly through line |65 to the uid reservoir.

From Fig. 17 it will be observed that as piston |33 moves in an upward direction, cam |16 will also move upwardly and the inclined surface thereof will cause spool |68 to be moved toward the right which movement will tend to interrupt the flow of fluid to and from the lower and upper ends of chamber |32. The speed of movement of the piston |33 and the mechanism operated thereby may thus be automatically controlled; the shapes of the cams determining the degree of opening of the valve and consequently the speed of movement of the piston. It will be apparent, from Fig. 16 and the foregoing description, that since spool |68 has movement imparted thereto by movement of the piston |33, it is necessary that the sleeve |66 be moved before motion can be imparted to the piston |33 through the admission of fluid to the lower end of chamber 32. It will also be apparent that sleeve I 66 must move outwardly of body |5| or toward the right as viewed in Fig. 16. To secure this motion cam |15 must be so formed that during initial rotation of the shaft 26 the surface of the cam will move away from the body |5| allowing spring |14 to expand and force sleeve |66 toward the right to maintain the roller |11 in contact with the surface of the cam. As soon as fluid under pressure flows into the lower end of chamber |32, the piston |33 will start its upward movement imparting similar movement through arm |88 to rod |81 and cam |16 which will cause spool 68 to follow sleeve |66. The cam |15 is so formed that a uniformly accelerated and decelerated motion will be imparted to piston |33. After the bat has engaged the die, pressing force will be continued for the required time, the shape of the cam |15 being such as to maintain communication between the inlet port and the lower end of the chamber |32. After the necessary time has elapsed the rotation of shaft 25 will cause cam |15 to force sleeve |66 into body |5| to interrupt communication between grooves |55 and |56 and between grooves |51 and |58. Piston |33 and the mechanism carried thereby is lowered by supplying the upper end of chamber |32 with fluid under pressure and connecting the lower end of this chamber with the reservoir. These operations are secured through the continued movement of the sleeve |66 toward the left, as viewed in Figs. 16 and 1'1, until the ports in registration with inlet groove |55 are opened to groove |10 in spool |68 and ports registering with outlet groove |58 are opened to groove |1| in this spool. When these ports are so positioned, fluid under pressure is supplied to the upper end of chamber |32 and piston |33 will start to move in a downward direction. This movement of the piston imparts similar movement to cam |16 which in turn permits spring |14 to move spool |68 to the left to regulate the degree of communication between grooves |55 and |10 and between grooves |59 and |1|. The speed of descent of piston |33 is thus controlled in the same manner as the speed of elevation. The admission of fluid under pressure to the upper end of the chamber to cause the piston 33 to descend moves the mold with the bat thereon away from the die and deposits the same on the table 4| for advancement to the next station.

At this station the clay bats are moved into engagement with a vjiggering head indicated generally by the numeral 200. This head is also spaced above the table 4| and the molds with the bats thereon are moved upwardly to a position wherein the bats may be operated upon by one or more rotatable scraper blades 20|, a power cylinder of the type shown at |26 also being used to move the molds and bats toward and away l from the jiggering head. The mechanism for performing the jiggering operation may be of any type, one such mechanism being illustrated in detail in Fig. 15. The mechanism shown in Fig. includes a sleeve 202 which projects downwardly through a hole 203 formed in a shelf 204 supported over the rotatable table 4| by columns 205. A second sleeve 206 is keyed for longitudinal sliding movement in the sleeve 202 and oneend is threaded as at 201 'for cooperation with a similarly threaded adjusting ring 208. The ends of the sleeve 206 receive anti-friction bearings 2|0 which serve to rotatably support a hollow shaft 2| to the lower` end of which the blades are secured. The housing 2|2 is disposed around the upper end of the sleeve 202 and ring 208 and this housing is surmounted by a second housing section 2 |3 which also supports an antifriction bearing 2|4 at its upper end, this antifriction bearing also serving as a journal for the hollow shaft 2H. The upper end of the shaft 2|| has a set of pulleys 2|5 secured thereto to receive a V-belt 2|6 employed to transmit rotary motion from a motor 2|1 mounted on the shelf 204 to the shaft 2||. When the motor 2I1 is operated rotary motion will be imparted by the belt and the pulleys to the shaft 2|| which will revolve and impart through the Scrapers 20| secured thereto a scraping action on the clay bat supported in contact with the members 20|.

When the bats are scraped in this manner waste material is separated therefrom and this material must be removed from the bat. To effect this operation, air or water, or both, may be directed against the ware in jet form by means of nozzles 2|8 and 220 also supported on the lower end of the shaft 2| Fluid is conducted to these nozzles through the interior of the shaft and a tube supported therein. A swivel 22| surrounds the upper end of the shaft 2| and serves to admit air and water to the interior of the shaft and the tube from a pair of tubes 222 and 223 extending from suitable sources of supply. As the Scrapers 20| revolve, the waste will be thrown by centrifugal force into a trough 224 surrounding the lower portion of the jiggering head. This trough also surrounds the mold 41 and the bat when the same is elevated for the jiggering operation. A scraper 225 is suspended ing operation has been completed the mold 41 .duplicative sections.

with the bat thereon will be lowered into position on the carrier 4| which will then move the mold to the next station for removal by the conveyor 24. The cycle of a mold through a wareforming machine is thus completed.

As shown in Fig. 1 and as previously mentioned, the machine 20 is composed of two Each section has a station where the conveyor deposits the empty molds, two stations where clay is alternately applied to the molds, pressing station, a jiggering station and a station where the formed articles are removed with the molds by the conveyor. The molds are removed from the table for forming and jiggering operations only at the pressing and jiggering stations. Each of these stations is provided with a power cylinder |26 for elevating the mold into the forming position. The power cylinders |26 are automatically operated and are connected in a hydraulic system shown diagrammatcally in Fig. 18. This system may be of many different types but the one selected for illustration supplies a relatively high pressure to the power cylinders used in the pressing operation and a lower pressure to the cylinders at the from a ring-like member 226 which is secured to a ring gear 221 supported for rotation around the lower end of the opening 203 in the shelf 204. This motion is imparted to the ring gear by a pinion 228 secured to the lower end of a vertical shaft 229 projecting from a gear case 230 carried by an electric motor 232. this motor being mounted on the upper surface of the shelf 204. When the motor 232 is operated rotary motion will be imparted by the shaft 229 to the pinion 228 which in turn will cause the ring gear 221 to revolve carrying with it the member 226 from which the scraper 225 depends. As this member moves along the trough 224 it will scrape the waste from the bottom and sides thereof and cause it to be discharged through a chute 233 to' a suitable receptacle not shown. The housing 2|2 has a worm 234 journaled therein for cooperation with teeth provided on the member 208 to effect the vertical adjustment of the sleeve 206. Rotary movement is imparted to the worm 234 by an exteriorly disposed hand wheel 235. This means serves to effect the raising and lowering of the scrapers 20| whereby the thickness of the final ware may be determined. When the Scrapjiggering stations. The system shown in Fig. 18 includes reservoir 250, which is in the form of a tank, which also serves as a base for an electric motor 25|. Each end of the armature shaft is connected with a hydraulic pump 252 and 253. These pumps may be of any suitable type but one thereof must be'capable of generating high pressure. The hydraulic system shown in Fig. 18 is substantially two hydraulic systems arranged in parallel, the pumps thereof being operated by a single motor. Pump 252 is arranged in a hydraulic circuit including the power cylinders |26 for operating the pressing devices. The other hydraulic circuit including pump 253 supplies uid under pressure to the power cylinders |26 used in elevating the clay bats to the jiggering mechanism. Both of these systems include an inlet line 254 extending from the reservoir to inlet of the pumps, the lines 254 containing strainers 255. Outlet lines 256 extend from the pumps to relief valves 251, check valves 258 being arranged in lines 256 to prevent reverse now of the uid. From the relief valves 251 fluid iiows through lines 260 to solenoid operated by-pass valves 26| from which lines 262 and 263 extend to the reservoir and an accumulator 264 respectively. Outlet lines 265 extend from the reservoirs 264 to the control valves |50 of the power units. The lines 265 contain check valves 261 to prevent the flow of fluid back to the accumulators. In Fig. 18 only the power cylinders for one section of the machine have been illustrated but it will be obvious that each section of the hydraulic system will have two or more of such power cylinders depending upon the number of machines serviced by the hydraulic system or the number of pressing and jiggering stations on each machine.

The accumulators 264 have pistons 268 disposed for movement therein in response to the accumulation of hydraulic fluid. 'I'he spaces in the accumulators above the pistons 268 receive air or other fluid employed to preload and apply pressure to the pistons to force the hydraulic fluid from the accumulators. The high pressure section of the hydraulic system has a cylinder 210 of compressed gas connected with the upper end of the accumulator to initially the charge the same with counter-balancing pressure. I'he upper end of the container 210 is equipped with a regulator 21| from which aline 212 extends to the upper end of the accumulator 264. Valves 213 and 214 are disposed in the line 212 and an outlet branch 215 thereof to control the entrance of the air or other compressed gas into and out of the upper end of the accumulator. The low pressure section of the hydraulic system may also be supplied with a container of compressed air or other gas for preloading the upper end of the accumulator in this section of the system or, if desired, such accumulator may be connected with a suitable source of compressed air. In any event, a regulator 21| is necessary to maintain the proper pressure in the upper end of the accumulator. Both sections of the hydraulic system are automatic in operation, that is, the power cylinders will only be operated when the proper ratio of fluids under pressure obtains on the opposite sides of the pistons or diaphragms 268 in the accumulators 264. To effect this control an electrical circuit such as that illustrated diagrammatically -in Fig. 19 is employed. This electrical circuit includes a number of switches and solenoids which are actuated by elements in the hydraulic system, or, conversely, they actuate elements in the hydraulic system themselves. Certain of the switches or solenoids are employed to secure the proper sequence of operations of the various parts of the machine. These will appear as the description proceeds.

As illustrated in Fig. 18 the piston or movable diaphragm of each accumulator had a rod 218 projecting therefrom which rods are provided adjacent the outer end with a cam shaped enlargement 280. These enlargements serve to actuate switches 28| to 288 inclusive. The switches bearing the odd numbers are actuated by the movement of the piston in the high pressure accumulator, while those bearing even numbers are actuated by the piston in the other accumulator. Switches 23| to 288 inclusive are termed limit switches. Other limit switches 29| to 294 are also provided, these being disposed in positions to be actuated by the arms |88 of the power units when these elements move to their lowermost positions. The limit switches 292 and 294 which are actuated by the power cylinders on the second section of the machine are shown only in the diagram in Fig. 19. Another limit switch 295 is disposed adjacent one of the control valve actuating cams |15. During the operation of the machine, this limit switch serves to coordinate the operation of the various parts of the ware-forming machine, after the same has been shut down. As shown in Figs. 17 and 18, each control valve |50 is provided with a solenoid operated lock 296, the solenoids being numbered 291 to 300, inclusive. Th-e solenoids 298 and 300 used in the operation of the second section of the machine are shown only diagrammatically in Fig. 19. The solenoids for the by-pass valves 26| in the hydraulic system are designated by the numerals 30| and 302.

In addition to the limit switches and solenoids previously mentioned, the electrical circuit as shown in Fig. 19 includes a plurality of relay and solenoid operated switches for interlocking the operation of the table and conveyor operating motor, the motors for the hydraulic system of the clay feed and the motor for the hydraulic system of the pressing and jiggering mechanism. When no current is flowing through the electrical system, certain of the switches or contacts will be normally opened while others will be normally closed. Fig. 19 illustrates the circuit with the switches or contactors intheir normal positions when no current is lflowing in the circuit. In Fig. 19 only those portions of the electrical circuit for the machine motor and the clay feed motor have been illustrated which are necessary to clearly indicate the interlock between the various machines or parts thereof. In the electrical circuit the characters LI, L2, and L3 designate the power lines. Leads 303, 304 and 305 extend from these lines to contacts of a relay switch designated generally by the numeral 306. The other contacts of this switch are connected by leads with the motor 25|. The lines LI and L3 are also connected with the primary side of a transformer 301 which steps the voltage down for use in the major portion of the electrical circuit. The operation of switch 306 is controlled by a relay switch 308 which includes spaced contacts 309, a contactor bar 3| 0, start and stop switches 3|| and 3|2, and a coil 3I3. This control circuit is connected with the secondary of the transformer 301 in the manner shown in Fig. 19 so that when the switch 3|| is closed, the circuit will be completed to the coil 3I3 which when energized in this manner closes switch 308 which also completes the circuit for the coil 3|3. The start button 3|| may then be released. When coil 3 3 is energized, switch 306 is also closed to supply current to the motor 25|.

The electrical control circuit also includes two relay circuits having ve sets of contacts each. These sets of contacts are designated by the numerals 3 l5 to 324 inclusive. The odd numerals are arranged in one relay circuit and the even numerals designate contacts in the other relay circuit. The coils of these relays are designated by the numerals 325 and 326. The coils 325 and 326 are arranged in parallel branches which are supplied with current from the secondary of the transformer 301 through a line 321 in which a relay switch 328 is disposed. The branch circuit is completed by a line 329 extending from the coils 325 and 326 to the secondary of transformer 301. The line v329 also contains the switch 308. The

flow of current to the coils 325 and 328 can only be secured by closing switch 328 through the energization of a coil 330 which is disposed in the electrical circuit for the motor 33| employed .to operate the ware-forming machine and the conveyor. This circuit includes motor start and stop switches 332 and 333, respectively, the coil 330 and an electro-magnetic switch 334 which includes a coil 335. The motor 33| is started in operation by closing the switch 332 to initiate current flow through coil 335.

This current flow attracts the core of the switch 334 and closes thecontacts thereof. The switch 332 may then be released. Since switch 334 is closed, current will continue to flow through coil 335 which will in turn maintain switch 334 closed.

yCurrent will also flow through coil 330 and effect the closure of switch 328. Current is still prevented from flowing from the secondary of transformer 301 through the coils 325 and 326 because the branches of the circuit including these coils contain switches 331 and 338 which are normally open, that is, when current is not `ilowing through the circuit. Switches 331 and 338 are controlled in operation by coils 34| and 342, respectively. which are arranged in circuit branches 343 and 344 containing spaced sets of contacts 321| and 322 controlled in turn by coils 325 and`326. The circuits 343 and 344 also include the limit switches 285 and 286, respectively. Coils 34| and 342 also control normally closed switches 345 and 346.

These switches are arranged in branch circuits 341 anc 348 containing switches 35| and 352 and coils 353 and 354. In addition to governing the operatioi of the switches 35| and 352, the coils 353 and 354 serve to operate normally closed switches 355 anc 356 which are arranged in parallel branch cir( uits 351 and 358 including the spaced pairs of con tacts 3l9 and 320, respectively, the contacts of each pair being normally connected when the coils 325 and 326 are de-energized. Branch circuits 351 and 358 are directly connected with the current supply lines Ll and L3 when the manual switch in line 303 is closed. Circuit 351 includes limit switches 29| and 293 and a eld coil of solenoid- 30| of one valve 26| while branch 358 includes limit switches 292 and 294 and field coil 302 of the other by-pass valve 26|. A synchronizing branch circuit designated by the numeral 360 includes a magnetically operated switch 36|, spaced sets of contacts 3|8 and 3|1 and a field coil 362 which controls the operation of the switch 36| and a second switch 363 disposed in a branch circuit including switches 3|5 and 3|6 as well as solenoids 291 to 300 inclusive. Switches 3| 5 and 3|6 are controlled by coils 325 and 326. These coils also control the operation of switches 323 and 324 which are arranged in a circuit 364 controlling the operation of the motors 365 used to operate the pumps and 16 in the clay feed hydraulic circuit. The circuit 364 also includes start and stop switches 366 and 361, the magnetic switch 368 and the coil 310. The coil 310 will not hold the switch 368 closed until the switches 323 and 324 are also closed. The clay i'eed mechanism is thus interlocked with the pressing and jiggering mechanism. the former depending upon the operation of the latter for its operation.

Power cylinders |26 are inoperative when the machine is shut down and the pistons |33 will be in their lowermost positions as will also the cam rod |81 and cams |16. At this time the spool |68 of each control mechanism |50 will be fully retracted and the sleeve valve |66 of each control unit will be at its innermost position where it will be held by the solenoid operated lock 296, this when the solenoid is de-energized. Since the locks 296 hold the sleeves |66 in their innermost position no iiuid will be supplied to the power cylinders |26 until the solenoids 291 to 300, inclusive are energized.

The operation of the pressing and jiggering hydraulic circuit may be best understood by referring to Figs. 18 and 19. When the machine is to be operated, the regulators 211| are set for the desired pressures, valves 214 are closed and valves 213 opened to admit preloading gas to the accumulators 264 above the pistons 268. The motor start switch 332 is then actuated to initiate the operation of the machine and the conveyor.

The closing of switch 332 energizes coil 330 which closes switch 328. This operation will have no feiect however until either switch 331 or 338 is closed which cannot be done until the correct volume of uid at the proper pressure is con- ,tained within the accumulator 264 in the corre- `spending section of the hydraulic system. To

secure this condition, the switch 3|| is closed to eiect the energization of coil 3|3 which in turn closes switch 308 as well as switch 306 which controls current iiow to the motor l. As previously mentioned, when the machine is idle the pistons of the hydraulic units |26 will be at their lowermost positions in which thearms |88 will be enlock being spring-pressed to operative position gaged with the switches 29| to 294 inclusive to hold the same in closed positions. Also when the machine is idle the enlargements 280 on the rods 218 extending from the accumulators will be disposed at the lower end of their travel at which positions they will hold switches 28| and 282 in closed positions. Thus when switch 308 is closed, current will flow through the line 321 through switches 28| and 282, coils 353 and 354, and switch 308 to energize the coils 353 and 354 and close switches 35| and 352. Current will then flow through switches 345 and 346 and circuits 341 and 348 through switches 35| and 352 and coils 353 and 354 to hold switches 35| and 352 closed. When coils 353 and 354 are energized, switches 355 and 35S-will be held in open position to prevent the flow of current to the solenoid leld coils 30| and 302. When these coils are de-energized, that is, coils 30| and 302, by-pass valves 26| will be in condition to direct iluid from the pumps 252 and 253 into the lower ends of the accumulators 264. When moton 25| is operated the hydraulio iiuid will be supplied to the accumulators causing the pistons 268 therein to move upward ly in opposition to the air or other compressible gas with which the upper ends of the accumulators have been preloaded.

The cam enlargements 280 will move away from switches 28| and 282 permitting them to open. But since switches 35| and 352, 345 and 346, are closed the branch circuits 348 and 341 will be unaffected. When sufficient iluid has been pumped into the accumuiators 264 to raise the cams 280 to the position wherein switches 285 and 286 are actuated the iluid supply will then be in the operating range. When switches 285 and 266 are closed, current will be supplied to the coils 34| and 342 to energize same. When these coils are energized, switches 345 and 346 controlled thereby will be moved to an open position thus discontinuing current ow through circuit branches 341 and 348. Coils 353 and 354 will be de-energized permitting switches 35| and 352 to open and switches 355 and 356 to close. Branch circuits 351 and 358 would then be completed except for the fact that when coils 34| and 342 are energized, switches 331 and 338 operated thereby will be closed completing the circuits including coils 325 and 326. When these circuits are closed all the switches controlled by coils 325 and 326 will be actuated. Among these switches are two normally closed switches 3l9 and 320 arranged in branch circuits 351 and 358.

When the coils 325 and 326 are energized, switches 3l9 and 320 will be opened to prevent the flow of current through branch circuits 351 and 358. When coils 325 and 326 are energized, another pair of switches 32| and 322 are closed which complete circuits including the coils 34| and 342 thus maintaining the supply of current to the coils eren though switches 285 and 263 may be opened. Switches 323 and 324 disposed in circuit 364 of the clay feed mechanism are also closed when coils 325 and 326 are energized. At this time the clay feed mechanism may be started in operation by pressing the start switch 366 which initially energizes the coil 310 to eiiect the closing of the switch 368. Current may then flow through the circuit 364 and as long as switches 323 and 324 are closed, coil 310 will be energized to maintain switch 368 in closed position. The mechanism is now in position to start the wareforming operations. 'I'he pressing and jiggering' operations cannot be performed, however, until cam |15 which is provided with a switch actuat- 

